Apply to Perform at RHIIF 23
Information for Teams
Applications to perform are now closed. Thank you to all who applied.
If you have any questions regarding your application don’t hesitate to contact us at robinhoodimprov@gmail.com
Hi there!
Thanks for your interest in performing at the Robin Hood International Improv Festival (RHIIF) 2023.
Before you fill in an application, we recommend you read this page in full which sets out our goals for the festival. This should give you a good understanding of what we’re looking for in successful applications. We aim to curate a festival line-up which balances the values and vibe of the festival, with the interests and desires of the local improv community - which was the wonderful, welcoming, beating heart of last year’s festival.
We anticipate that the number of applications will far outweigh the number of opportunities we can offer. We’ve tried to make the process as simple as possible for everyone applying while giving us all of the information we need to design the most diverse and exciting line-up of shows possible.
Note: there will not be a further formal application process, though we may want to have further conversations with shortlisted applicants.
Our Mission Statement
“To showcase the best of the world’s improv to Nottingham, and the best of Nottingham’s improv to the world.”
The local improv community - in Nottingham and The Midlands - is at the heart of what we do. We want to RHIIF to both serve as inspiration for the local community, and showcase the incredible improv talent creating work in this area of the UK. We aim to provide all who attend the best possible experience while having a lasting impact on the local improv scene that is felt beyond the five days of the festival.
What Are We Looking For?
Bring What You Love
One of the most inspiring things about last year’s festival was having teams performing the shows that they love the most. Sharing their personal improv obsessions in their own unique style was infectious. We want more of this in 2024 - we’d much rather you bring a show born out of your passions and joys than the tried-and-tested formats you think might be popular.A Balance of Local and Travelling Improv Teams
We are looking to both showcase talent from Nottingham and the Midlands and balance that with teams from further afield in the UK, and the world. We’ve had comments from many people that the geographical mix and the chance to make contacts was seen as a huge benefit in previous years.Different Viewpoints
We want to curate a line-up with a wealth of ideas to inspire and challenge us in different directions. We believe that the more influences we can give voice to, the better!We particularly encourage expressions of interest from teachers who are generally underrepresented in improv festival line-ups.
Correctly Filled-in, On Time Responses
As mentioned above, we anticipate more applications than the opportunities we have available to offer. As such, submitting a response late or half filled in is likely to hurt your chances. If you have any questions about the application form please reach out as we’re happy to help with anything you want to ask.
The Robin Hood Travelling Bursary
In the spirit of Robin Hood, this year we have a bursary pot of £1000 which we will use to help a teams or individuals who would not normally be able to afford to attend the festival get here.
To apply, there will be a simple question of ‘Are you applying for the travelling bursary?’ and if so ‘what sum of money will make the difference between coming and not coming (up to £1000)?’ and ‘How will you use this money?’.
We are able to offer the bursary this year thanks to an incredibly generous donation from a local improviser who wishes to remain anonymous - thank you!
A note on voluntary donations
In previous years we have charged for applications in order to help with the general running costs of the festival. This year to make the festival more accessible, we are waiving fees for applications and instead asking for a £10 voluntary donation from those who can. This donation is to cover the time of the team who painstakingly read every question, watch every video, and give each and every application the time it deserves to be considered fully.
The information of whether or not an application was submitted with a donation will be removed before the scheduling process begins. This means whether or not you donate will have no impact on your chances of a successful application. RHIIF is a volunteer ran organisation, and every donation goes towards making this festival the best it can be.
What questions we will ask you
As we’ve said before, we anticipate the number of expressions of interest to be greater than the number of opportunities. Therefore, our application form is designed to be as brief as possible while providing us with all the information we need.
Name / Contact Info
Ensemble Name
No. of Performers in Ensemble + their names
We know that things happen which lead things to cast changes, but we expect that 75% of the cast you write here will attend the festival. In the event this can't be achieved, email and let us know or else you could lose your slot.Gender Breakdown of Ensemble
What proportion of your ensemble consider themselves to be under-represented in improvised comedy / theatre?
Does anyone in your team have any accessibility needs?
Where is your team based? (City and Country) *
Does your entire cast intend to stay the full long-weekend? *
Each year we aim to create a community across the 5 days. Staying and being part of the whole thing really makes a difference, so we will likely favour ensembles who can stay for the whole festival.A Three-Line Summary of Your Show
Team Resume
A brief overview of your experience together - major gigs, etc.Video Link
This doesn't have to have great production values (a phone camera is fine) and can even be a video of a rehearsal if needs be, but we will need at least 10 minutes of video footage of your team doing improv together.Photo Link
A link to at least one high quality picture of your team that can be used in festival promotions. Be sure to use a link which doesn't have an expiry date - we suggest Google Drive.Social Media
Links to your team’s facebook, twitter, and instagram pages.Would you like to apply for the Robin Hood Travelling Bursary?
What sum of money would make the difference between coming and not coming to RHIIF 24 (up to £1000)?
How will you use that money?
What You will Get
Should you be successful in your application you will be offered a performance slot at the Robin Hood International Improv Festival. There are two types of performance slot on offer this year: 25-30 minute slots as part of a double bill and 45 min-1hr headline slots.
Should you perform at the festival, you will get:
A share of the profit from your show
50% of the profit from each show will be split between the teams performing. So in a double bill each team gets 25% of the profit, in a headline slot each team gets 50% of the profit.Free de-prioritised access to every show
Performers get de-prioritised access to every show. What that means is for every show paying ticket holders are given access to the show, after which remaining seats can be filled by performers at the festival for free.Free entrance to a number of festival events
Across the festival we will have a number of events for performers and community members. In previous years this has included improv jams, a tour with Nottingham’s official Robin Hood, a show-tune kareoke night, and our final night festival party.
